Country guide
Bulgaria
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Schengen area
Yes
Currency
Lev (BGN)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 359
Best time to go
April – October for beach resorts. Mid-December – March is the best time for skiing
Drinking water
Water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but bottled water is available.
Travel tips
Bulgaria is a largely cash-only economy, although credit cards are become increasingly more accepted.
Visa guide
Entry requirements
Bulgaria is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
If you intend to visit only Bulgaria, you must apply at the Embassy of Bulgaria.
If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition to the General Requirements:
A photocopy of the first page of the foreign travel document;
A photocopy of the last Bulgarian and Schengen visas or visas for the UK and the US, if any
NOTE: Applicants must appear in person at the embassy in Pretoria for the collection of biometric data, unless otherwise exempted.
Visa requirements
Visas are required by S.A. passport holders.
Issuing authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria,
1071 Stanza Bopape Str, Hatfield, Pretoria 0083
Tel: 012 342 3720
Hours (consular): Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00 - appointments are required
E-mail: embassy.pretoria@mfa.bg
Web: www.mfa.bg
Visa processing time
At least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa validity
No more than 90 days in any 180-day period
Visa cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
SA representative
South African Embassy
7 Shipka Street, Sofia, 1000, Republic of Bulgaria
Tel: +359 2 939 5015
Email: sofia.admin@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1; Mar 3; Apr 10-13; May 1, 6, 24, 25; Sep 6-7, 22; Nov 1; Dec 24-26, 28